Macadamia oil is a well known product, primarily due to its recognizable ingredient. Nuts are a highly sought after and popular snack for much of the world, and along with almonds, cashews and peanuts, macadamias are a popular choice for many. What is not well known is the many benefits that can come with the use of macadamia oil. From cooking purposes to topical skin applications and hair care, it is a multipurpose tool that can be utilized to yield many benefits. What was once a recognizable snack across the world is now slowly becoming more and more praised as a skincare and haircare product. In this article, we will discuss the history and origins of macadamia oil, as well as how it can be applied to the body to yield benefits of all different kinds. For those interested in skincare tips and/or hair care tips, then this product is definitely for you.
If you are interested in macadamia oil and want to learn more before you purchase anything, then read on.
Origin
Macadamia oil is a clear yellow liquid that comes from the compression of macadamia nuts. The product is similar to olive oil and presents in the form of a liquid. Macadamia oil is native to Australia, like the nuts that it is made up of. In fact, 70% of these nuts in the world can be traced back to a single tree in Australia! These nuts grow from the Macadamia Integrifolia, an Australian tree which sits in an environment of moist organic soil, growing for around 5-7 years. The fruit presents itself in a hard shell casing, and the nut is contained within. The nuts must be fully grown before the oils are fully accumulated within and ready for harvest. Once harvested, the liquid is clear yellow and has a sweet, nutty smell to it. The liquid is harvested by compressing large amounts of the nut, to then extract the liquid inside.
What Can It Be Used For?
Macadamia oil has a variety of purposes to which it can be applied to. More and more people are seeking out different products to use for organic skincare and haircare reasons. This is largely because people are realizing the damage that harsh chemical based products can have on them and their health. Furthermore, the natural and organic based products industry is ramping up in popularity as more people opt for these items. Macadamia oil has many different uses and can provide benefits for each of the uses below.
Cooking and Eating
This is what macadamia oil has been used for in the past primarily. Macadamia oil is a well known topping that goes with many different food combinations, especially salads (yum!). It can also be used as a substitute for many other oils in other dishes, in case some individuals are allergic to or prefer alternatives to other cooking oils. Moreover, its mild flavour makes it a perfect choice for any goods which are to be baked, as this will not influence their core flavour and will still get the job done. Additionally, because it has a higher smoke point than other oils, it makes it a perfect product for sautéing food and grilling, without having excessive smoke everywhere.
The Benefits of Cooking with Macadamia Oil
Macadamia oil can bring a lot of benefits to the individual through its use in cooking. These benefits are health-related as it contains a number of healthy ingredients. These are:
Antioxidants
You’ve probably heard this word before. Antioxidants are contained in many different healthy foods and drinks, such as tea. They help to get rid of free radicals in the body. But what exactly does that mean? Free radicals help to contribute to aging, oxidative stress and the development of numerous diseases including cancer. We think that these are definitely things you want to get rid of, and the use of macadamia oil and its consumption can help to get rid of free radicals.
Heart Health
Heart health is an important factor to consider in everyday life, as heart disease is the number one killer in Australia and America. Consuming macadamia oil can help to promote heart health. It has high levels of monounsaturated fats, which can help to lower levels of bad cholesterol, which then lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Skin Application
Topical skin application is an effective way for receiving skin related benefits related to Macadamia oil. Macadamia oil is already an ingredient in a plethora of skincare products, and for good reasons too. It is important to always test any product on a small patch of skin first, to ensure you are not allergic to it. People with tree nut allergies should not use it.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a great ingredient for your skin, in any circumstance. It is absorbed well by the skin and can help to moisturise and nourish the skin. This makes it a perfect moisturiser for those long hot days, or cold and dry days. It is advised to mix macadamia oil into existing products. This way, the product is distributed and will not be too strong on the skin. The reason for this is that it is quite thick, meaning that it can clog pores and cause breakouts on the skin (acne).
Hair Conditioning
Macadamia oil can also have hair conditioning abilities. Many hair conditioners on the market currently will contain harsh chemicals which are notorious for damaging the hair over time. This can result in split ends, which doesn’t look great. Moreover, you may have to cut your hair to be able to repair it. The use of macadamia oil can help to strengthen the hair follicles, create smooth and luscious looking and feeling hair, add a sleek shine to it and can make keeping your hair in check more manageable.
How to Use It for Skin and Hair Care
Macadamia oil follows the fashion of many other similar products. For skincare products, it is best to put a few drops into the product and mixing it in. This is the best way than if you apply it directly on the skin as it can clog pores and lead to breakouts. This works best with moisturisers and lip balms which can leave a sweet smell and taste as well!
For haircare, the method is very similar. The macadamia oil is mixed into conditioner, sparingly. Too much will make the hair much too oily. The conditioner will be able to do its work simultaneously with the macadamia oil. It is advised to use a conditioner that is also organic or uses less harsh chemicals than some found in many popular products.
Overall, macadamia oil is a good choice of product for skincare and haircare and can provide many benefits to the user. These benefits include nourishing dry skin and keeping it moisturised, as well as providing a good amount of vitamin E which is essential for the skin to stay healthy. Moreover, it can act as a great partner with conditioner and will leave the hair smooth, silky and sleek. For these reasons, it is definitely a popular product on the organic market and should be heavily considered for anyone who is looking to expand their collection.
